TUNNEL brace. Thats what its called. Not a "cross chassis brace." I'm dumb.

I was also thinking about making some links that would connect to this brace and go all the way over to the each subframe. Was looking under there and there are 2 unused threaded holes on each side and they look lonely.. wanting to be used. Seems like that would really help rigidity.

when you make it yourself, and it looks that good, you can call it any dam thing you want to. Great job.

1) The structural "contribution" of the shield is realized when bolted in place, so while it seems flimsy when removed from the vehicle, it does quite a bit when installed.

2) If greater durability/longevity is needed (because someone is driving their vehicle under aggressive circumstances) then maybe having a stiffer brace would be of benefit as part of an overall structural package. Signs of "more" being needed would be an observation of a buckled brace due to permanent deformation - or elongated attachment holes at the bolts. If anyone has observed this on an OEM brace, it would be good to know what the driving conditions have been and it would justify the need for "more beef".

3) The bolts are receiving higher than normal bending forces when installed using a spacer, as shown. Higher grade bolts may be needed.

4) Aluminum doesn't hold up to fatigue as well as steel does - so the design, as shown, may need some additional features to alleviate stress concentrations. Larger radii in the "cut outs", for one.

5) The design should directly strap the front bolts to the rear bolts on the opposing side as well as straight across to prevent "matchboxing". Think of a frame with an "X" pattern lined up with the bolts.

6) A gasket should be used to isolate the aluminum from the steel underbody (and fasteners) to prevent galvanic corrosion.

The spacers certainly do the trick and this definitely looks better than stock.

__________________

In the early morning... when there's only a mere suggestion that the sun is going to bother coming up at all that day - a CGM blur accompanied by the anthem of 312 horses awakens the morning commuters from their NPR-induced stupor. Charging past the front lines in an all-or-nothing battle cry that the King has returned...